Resolution 4492 - Laserfiche WebLink

Bond Issues: Councilmanic bonds are approved to provide specific regional facilities for taxpayers. These bonds can be financed through various taxes, and can be paid back over a 20-30 year period. Sources include: hotel/motel taxes, utility taxes, gambling taxes, and B&O taxes, etc. Funding for trail planning and development could be included in an overall bond to provide additional recreational services/facilities for the City of Everett. Private Donations: Many conditions exist which make donations of land for park use desirable. Land dedication for trails can be incorporated into city revitalization efforts, promoting civic goals and awareness. Corporate-given donations should be explored as a way to acquire important harbor and riverfront trail access. Donations of environmentally sensitive lands, where many commercial uses may be limited, can also provide tax credits for private owners. Other mechanisms include bequests, and the declarations of land as open space (through the County Assessor's Office) for tax reduction. Mitigation for transportation impacts caused by growth can include provisions for trail development, which may involve the dedication of land. Private donations for trail land acquisition and development shall be coordinated with the Friends of the Everett Parks foundation, whenever possible. OWNERSHIP The use of land for trail development is dependent upon many factors, the most important of which is ownership. It is preferable to locate trails on property already under public ownership and control. This strategy is well suited for long term management and control of the trail planning, maintenance, and liability issues. Publicly owned property includes parcels controlled by Everett Parks, and parcels controlled by other agencies. Effective management of resources already under city control is the first step in providing a trail system. Additional strategies are needed to explore trail use of property in private ownership. This plan identifies several trail corridors that cross or otherwise utilize privately owned property. These corridors provide physical and visual access to some of Everett's natural amenities, including the Snohomish River, and the Port Gardner waterfront. These properties also provide vital linkages between existing resources and are important to implementing a comprehensive trail system. Public Ownership—Everett Parks Department: The Everett Park system includes 33 developed parks, and 162 acres of undeveloped park land. These areas are well utilized in the comprehensive plan to provide trails and destinations within the overall system. Trail management on park property is also subject to planned funding and maintenance cycles, which facilitate long-term planning. Additionally, these trails are not subject to interagency agreements, easement negotiations, or lease obligations. ACTION STEPS: 1. Continue to pursue Parks ownership of property through the many acquisitions tools listed above. W:\PLANNING\TRAILS\COMP96.DOC 33